Practice Online Testing
Psychometric testing is increasingly used in the selection process with an estimated 25% of employers now using online testing.
As with all tests, the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to succeed.
Tests tend to fall into four categories:
- Personality
- Aptitude, ability and intelligence
- Occupational tests
- Tests for further study
You can practice a wide range of tests and assessments free online.
In addition, Gradsouthwest offers a free online assessment with comprehensive feedback.
Personality Tests
Personality tests are used to determine how you are likely to behave in certain situations. Although there are no right or wrong answers, employers often have a very clear idea of what they are looking for and it’s best to be honest. There are usually lots of checks in place to detect ‘faking’ and if you really don’t fit the role, you’re probably better off finding something else.
The most popular personality tests include:
Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)
Popular with graduate employers, this measures either sixteen or thirty two dimensions of an individual’s personality, grouped into four areas; relationship with people, thinking styles, emotions and energies.
The full OPQ is not freely available on-line, but the SHL Personality Questionnaire will give you an idea of what’s involved. The test takes approximately 20 minutes, after which you can download a free report. The report will help you identify your potential competencies which are important for success at work.
16PF
Popular with graduate employers, 16PF measures 16 personality traits to predict behaviours.
The 16 personality traits are; warmth, reasoning, emotional stability, social boldness, sensitivity, vigilance, openness to change, self reliance, perfectionism, dominance, liveliness, rule consciousness, abstractedness, privateness, apprehensiveness, and tension.
The test also looks at extraversion, anxiety, tough-mindedness, independence and self control.
It normally takes approximately 40 minutes to complete, and must be administered by a qualified practitioner. It is not currently available free of charge on line.
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
One of the most common personality tests based on Jung’s psychological personality types. The test tends to be used once you are in employment for teambuilding. It must be administered by a qualified practitioner and is not available free of charge online.
The Myers Briggs Foundation gives guidance about paying to access the test online.
Other online practice tests include:
The Keirsey Temperament Sorter looks at temperament – or natural inclinations - and sorts individuals into guardians, artisans, idealists and rationals.
The BBC Personality Questionnaire is based on the Five-Factor model which centres around openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
Aptitude Tests
These are designed to objectively evaluate how you perform on task or react to different situations, and include IQ tests and verbal, numerical and diagrammatic reasoning. The tests are usually time limited multiple choice, and unlike personality tests, there are right and wrong answers!
There are numerous sites where you can practice these tests free online:
- MENSA IQ Test
- SHL Direct
- Assessment Day
- ASE Tests
- Psychometric Success Aptitude Tests
- Morrisby Profile
- Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (information only)
Occupational Tests
Specific careers and employers also have their own tests which you can practice free online:
- The Berger Aptitude for Programming Test (B-APT)
- Civil Service Practice Tests
- Kenexa Practice Tests
- Banking and Finance Careers
- Police Recruitment Tests
- Civil Service Self Selection Questionnaire
- Civil Service and Royal Navy Sample Questions
- Accenture Document Review Exercise
- Fast Stream Example E-Tray Exercise
- Deloitte E-Tray Exercise and Examples
Further Study
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) - often used for MBA admissions.
